'Shivaay', 'ADHM' fight it out in advance booking contest

Mumbai: It is going to be a tough battle at the box office this Diwali between "Shivaay" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", as advance booking for both the films has started. Both films are getting good response, if the multiplex owners are to be believed. But some exhibitors said "ADHM" had an edge in multiplexes while Shivaay was doing better in single screens. “Shivaay" is produced by Ajay Devgn, while "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" -- mired in controversy recently because it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan -- is helmed by Karan Johar. Both films will release on October 28. Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Cinemas, says both films are getting good response in advance booking. "We will show both the films at PVR. However I can't saywhich is having more screen, all I can say is the spilt is healthy between the two films. We are hopeful this Diwali it will be strong business," Kamal told PTI. Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir cinema, G-7 multiplex, too maintains both films are having good advance booking. "It's 70 per cent advance booking for both the films. At Maratha Mandir we have both films, at Gaiety we have 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and at Galaxy and Gemini we have 'Shivaay'." But according to distributors, "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" is ruling in multiplexes while "Shivaay" is ahead in single screen theatres. "There is good advance booking for 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in multiplexes and 'Shivay' has good stand in single screen. 'Ae Dil...' is getting good booking in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, etc, while 'Shivaay' is ahead in booking in UP, Indore etc," Akshay Rahti, an exhibitor, said. Anil Thadani, owner of AA Films, a leading distribution house, said, "Most of the single screens and multiplexes are screening 'Ae Dil...' This is a big film, with big names." "About two months back, I had signed 'ADHM' for Diwali release in nearly 50 single screen cinemas. 'ADHM' is clearly the Diwali film to watch out for. There is a strong advance booking for the film," CCCA (Central Circuit Cine Association, representing cinemas in CP-CI- Rajasthan) Executive body member Aditya Chowksey said.